The towering, majestic Mexican fan palms that line Coast Walk along the eastern edge of Scripps Park have been catching the gentle ocean breezes for perhaps eight decades. More than three dozen strong, these trees have been a reassuring presence for anyone watching the sunset or enjoying a stroll from Children’s Pool to La Jolla Cove. But many of the trees are nearing the end of their life-span.
A 94-year-old retired La Jolla dentist has stepped forward with a plan to donate in excess of $20,000 to honor his deceased wife and ensure this postcard-quality scene for generations to come.
The plan calls for the initial planting of as many as 30 10-foot palms along Coast Walk. The La Jolla Town Council board of trustees July 10 put its weight behind the plan by a vote of 18-2 at its monthly meeting.
It’s the brainchild of Dr. George Gerroldette, who pitched the idea to the city last year shortly before the death of his wife, Billie.
“Billie loved the tall palms,” said Daniel Weinberg, the city’s director of major gifts and philanthropy planning. “She always talked about making sure the tall palms never go away. Dr. Gerroldette would like to have her dream become real. It’s his vision and passion.”
Where space allows, one new tree would be planted between two existing trees, said Patrick Ahern, member of the Town Council’s Parks and Beaches Committee and chairman of the Scripps Park Project. The city has pledged to provide the trees’ watering and upkeep.
The idea is that the current trees will die off and be removed as the new ones grow to maturity. That way, the tree’s uniformity in height, a characteristic considered aesthetically pleasing, will be maintained in the long run, Ahern said.
Ahern said that when the plan was presented to the Parks and Beaches Committee last month, one member, Jack Holtzman, was so moved he pledged to pay for two more trees himself. But more donors are needed to complete the project. Ahern said prospective donors could contact him at [email protected] or call (858) 220-9001.
“We’re thrilled about the donation,” Ahern said. “We grew up with these trees; future generations would like to, also.”
The plan still requires the approval of San Diego City Council, which would likely place the item on an upcoming consent agenda, Weinberg said. Planting could begin after the tourist season in late September, he said.
In other Town Council business:
“¢ Is it fair to force trustees to give up their offices after two terms? Term-limit rules will require several trustees to sit out at least one term before running again, and at least one affected trustee wants the rule changed, Council President Darcy Ashley said. She plans to put together a committee to consider amending the bylaws.
“¢ Town Council membership may soon crack the 600 mark. The latest membership report boasts 23 new members and a 90 percent renewal rate, Second Vice President Trenton Bonner said. There are now 200 business members and 391 nonbusiness members. La Jolla Town Council meets on the second Thursday, at La Jolla Recreation Center, 615 Prospect St.